Fort Bovisand is a fort in Devon, England near the beach of Bovisand. It was built as a result of the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom which reported in 1860. It is located on the mainland to defend the entrance of Plymouth Sound, at the narrows opposite the east end of Plymouth Breakwater. The fort is beside Bovisand harbour.
History
thumb|right|Fort Bovisand's [[granite casemates, originally built for 9-inch Rifled Muzzle Loading guns.]]
In 1816, a stone jetty and slip were built for boats from sailing warships anchored in Plymouth Sound to collect fresh water from the nearby reservoir.
In 1845, the first fort at the site, named Staddon Height Battery, was started. It still exists in the upper part of the present fort.
Work started on the main part of the fort in 1861. Originally intended to have two stories of casemates like Fort Picklecombe, the design was altered during construction to a single storey of 23 granite casemates with armoured shields. It was designed by Major (later Maj Gen) Whitworth Porter , and was built by George Baker and Company. The casemates were arranged in an arc and initially housed 22 9-inch Rifled Muzzle Loaders (RMLs) and one 10-inch RML gun, with accommodation for 180 men. Underground there are large deep tunnels to store artillery ammunition safe from enemy gunfire. It was completed in 1869.
By 1880, the armament included 14 10-inch and nine 9-inch RML guns. By 1893 it mounted 14 10 inch Rifled Muzzle Loading Guns, eight 9-inch Rifled Muzzle Loading (RML) guns and six 6 Pounder Quick Firing (QF) guns. In 1898 Six 12-pounder quick-firing guns were installed. By the early 1900s the original armament was obsolete and was removed.
In 1942, the remaining four 12-pounders were replaced by two twin 6-pounders, to combat E-boats.